Page 2 - Susquehanna Chorale 40th Anniversary Book

SUSQUEHANNA CHORALE
The Susquehanna Chorale, founded in
1981 by Artistic Director Linda L. Tedford, has been widely recognized as one of the outstanding choral ensembles in the United States. The 37-voice, auditioned choir is recognized by critics and audiences alike for its commitment to excellence and its artistic interpretation of choral works of many styles and historical periods.
Reflecting its dedication to the music of
our time, the group has performed the
East Coast premieres of many outstanding works, and it has commissioned several new works for its concert series. Past seasons have included performances at Chautauqua Institution in upstate New York, the Washington National Cathedral, conventions of the American Choral Directors Association, and the PA House of Representatives at
the State Capitol. The Chorale has also toured Great Britain, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany, and will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a tour of Vienna and Krakow in July 2022. The Chorale also performs regularly with the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra and in the summer series at Mt. Gretna, Pennsylvania.
The Susquehanna Chorale’s awards
include Chorus America’s highest national honor, the Margaret Hillis Achievement Award for Choral Excellence, and it tied for second place in the 2020 American Prize Competition. The group’s CDs have received national recognition, with four - Wondrous Love, American Treasures, Sing Me to Heaven, and Roots & Wings - receiving consideration for a Grammy nomination.
In its mission to promote choral art, the Chorale co-sponsored the Central PA Choral Festival for 17 years, bringing internationally known conductors to Central Pennsylvania. The Chorale’s Educational Outreach Program currently reaches hundreds of local students from third grade to the first year of college through its four training choirs: a preparatory choir, the Susquehanna Children’s Chorale, the Susquehanna Youth Chorale, and the Susquehanna Young Women’s Chorale. It also sponsors a conducting internship for area college students.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction: The Artistic Director’s Thoughts on the 40th Anniversary of the Susquehanna Chorale
“We’re starting a choir!” A Decade of Firsts - (1981-1992) 4 Building a Legacy - (1992-2002) 7
Celebrating Three Decades of Glorious Singing - (2002-2012) 10 A Decade Like No Other - (2012-2022) 13 Highlights of the 40th Anniversary 19 Artistic Director, Founder, and Conductor 23 Accompanists of the Susquehanna Chorale 28 Voices of the Susquehanna Chorale 29 Awards 33 Central Pennsylvania Choral Festival 34 Love is in the Ayre 36 American Choral Directors Association 37 Performing with the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra 39 Mt. Gretna 40 Educational Outreach Program 41 Susquehanna Chorale Staff 48 Susquehanna Chorale Board of Directors 49 Recordings 50 1997 Tour 53 2008 Tour 54 2022 Tour 55 “Sing Me To Heaven” - In Memoriam 56 Commissions and Repertoire 57 Testimonials, Reflections, and Memories 64 Mission and Vision 71
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Celebrating 40 Years